11.Circle,club,coterie,set,society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.: a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles.Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues: an athletic club.Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality: a literary coterie.Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique (see ring1) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities: the country club set. A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind: a Humane Society.

circle

/ˈsɜːkəl/

noun

1.

(maths) a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: (x –h)² + (y –k)² = r² where r is the radius and (h, k) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr²; circumference: 2πr

2.

the figure enclosed by such a curve

3.

(theatre) the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle

4.

something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle

5.

a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set: golf circles, a family circle

6.

a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence

7.

a circuit

8.

a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle

c.1300, "figure of a circle," from Old French cercle "circle, ring (for the finger); hoop of a helmet or barrel" (12c.), from Latin circulus "circular figure; small ring, hoop; circular orbit" (also source of Italian cerchio), diminutive of circus "ring" (see circus).

Replaced Old English trendel and hring. Late Old English used circul, from Latin, but only in an astronomical sense. Meaning "group of persons surrounding a center of interest" is from 1714 (it also was a secondary sense of Latin circulus); that of "coterie" is from 1640s (a sense also found in Latin circulus). To come full circle is in Shakespeare.

v.

late 14c., cerclen, "to shape like a globe," also "to encompass or surround," from circle (n.). From c.1400 as "to set in a circular pattern;" mid-15c. as "to move in a circle." Related: Circled; circling. To circle the wagons, figuratively, "assume an alert defensive stance" is from 1969, from old Western movies.